While major tech players were busy promoting mixed reality headsets and smart glasses in 2023, a lesser-known Finnish company was quietly working on a more practical innovation glasses that adjust focus automatically to improve eyesight.
Founded in 2021, IXI (pronounced “ik-see”) recently emerged from stealth mode with $36 million in funding to develop and commercialize what it claims are the world’s first autofocus prescription glasses. Unlike many smart glasses that prioritize capturing videos or integrating AI assistants, IXI is focused squarely on addressing real vision problems.
“Our goal is simple: to help people see better, not just build another gadget,” said Niko Eiden, CEO and co-founder of IXI. Eiden brings with him nearly two decades of expertise from top tech companies, including Nokia and Varjo (he co-founded), where he worked on imaging and mixed reality technologies.
How Do These Glasses Work?
IXI’s glasses are not packed with flashy features like cameras or augmented reality. Instead, they contain a discreet, low-energy sensor that tracks eye movements by measuring how light reflects off the eye. This allows the system to instantly determine where the user is looking near or far by emitting light pulses and measuring the reflections that bounce back off your eye the sensor can determine whether you are looking near, far, or somewhere in between.
The lenses use a layer of liquid crystal sandwiched between two plastic sheets. When a small electric current is applied, the crystals shift to bend light differently, adjusting focus within 0.2 seconds. This enables clear vision across various distances reading, walking, or driving with a single lens, unlike bifocals or progressive lenses that come with distortion and limited focus zones.
“Just like cameras evolved from fixed focus to autofocus, we believe vision correction should do the same,” said Eiden.
A Real Alternative to Traditional Glasses
Conventional multifocal lenses often require users to tilt their heads awkwardly or deal with blurry peripheral vision. IXI’s innovation eliminates that hassle by offering a uniform field of focus throughout the lens, while fitting neatly into standard eyeglass frames without bulky components.
While the product hasn’t reached consumers yet, IXI is currently refining its design to address challenges like lens clarity, all-day comfort, and compliance with global medical standards for prescription eyewear.
Rising Demand for Better Vision
IXI is entering a promising market. The global eyewear sector was valued at over $200 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily, driven by increasing vision problems caused by prolonged screen usage and indoor lifestyles. India, too, is witnessing a surge in demand for advanced optical solutions as more people suffer from eye strain and myopia.
Although IXI is one of the frontrunners, others like Laclarée (France) and Elcyo (Japan) are also working on similar technologies. However, none of them have released a commercial product yet.
IXI now plans to expand its R&D team, set up new facilities, and hold live demos of its smart glasses later this year. With a team of 50 engineers and scientists, the company is confident that autofocus eyewear is the future and they want to lead the charge.
“Static lenses have served us for decades. It’s time for dynamic lenses to take over,” Eiden said. “If not us, someone will get there but we’re doing everything to make sure we’re first.”
